The Fascinating World of Newborns: Discovering Their Incredible Secrets from Birth

The arrival of a newborn is a moment filled with awe and joy. From their tiny fingers to their delicate features, babies are truly a wonder of nature. But did you know there are many surprising facts about newborns that might catch you off guard? In this post, we will uncover 10 secrets about babies that showcase just how extraordinary they are right from the moment they enter the world.

Babies Are Born with More Bones Than Adults

At birth, a baby has around 300 bones, significantly more than the 206 bones typically found in an adult. Most of these extra bones are made of cartilage, which provides the flexibility needed for growth. As children develop, many of these bones fuse together, resulting in the final bone count we see in adulthood. This always fascinates me.

Newborns Recognise Voices They Heard in the Womb

One remarkable ability that babies have is recognising voices they heard while still in the womb. Research indicates that newborns can identify their parents voices right at birth. This is why you are encouraged to speak to your bump, especially when you have some quiet alone time. This creates a magic bond between mum and baby and something your partner can get involved in too.

As a midwife, I always talk to baby during antental checks with mum and like to think they recognise my voice when I visit them in their homes postnatally – perks of the job! On the note of hearing - do you know that baby will get offered a newborn hearing screening test shortly after birth? The newborn hearing test is called the automated otoacoustic emission (AOAE) test. It takes just a few minutes. A small soft-tipped earpiece is placed in your baby's ear and gentle clicking sounds are played. It's not always possible to get clear responses from the 1st test. This happens with lots of babies, and does not always mean your baby has permanent hearing loss.

Babies Smile in the Womb

Surprisingly, babies can start smiling as early as 26 weeks into pregnancy. Ultrasound scans have shown these tiny expressions occurring while they are still in their mother's womb. This early display of emotion indicates that babies are not just passive as they grow, but are actively engaging with their surroundings even before they enter the world.

Newborns Sleep a Lot

In their first few weeks, babies typically sleep about 16 to 20 hours a day. This is crucial for their rapid growth and vital development. However, it's important to know that newborns often wake up multiple times during the night, which can be exhausting for parents. For context, studies show that parents can lose about 44% of their total sleep in the first few months following birth. In future posts, we will explore concepts like the let-down reflex and its effects on sleep during early mornings.

Babies Are Born with a Strong Grip

One of the surprising traits of newborns is their natural "palmar grasp" reflex. This instinct allows them to hold tightly onto fingers or objects placed in their tiny hands. This gripping power is more than cute; it helps them feel secure and connected to their caregivers. Parents often find joy in the experience of having their little one curl their fingers around theirs, creating beautiful moments of bonding.

Babies Breathe Faster Than Adults

Newborns have a breathing rate that is significantly higher than that of adults, averaging about 40 to 60 breaths per minute compared to an adult's 12 to 20 breaths. Being aware of your baby's breathing patterns is essential. If you observe any irregularities, consult with a healthcare professional, ensuring your baby’s well-being.

Babies Can’t Produce Tears at First

While babies cry from the moment they are born, they usually do not produce tears until they are around 2 to 3 weeks old. This is because their tear ducts are not fully developed at birth. Understanding this can help new parents recognise that their baby is still communicating even without tears.

Babies Have a Superpower: Smell Recognition

Another incredible ability of newborns is their keen sense of smell. Immediately after birth, babies recognise their mother’s scent, which provides comfort and security in their new environment. This highlights the importance of skin-to-skin contact. It not only aids in bonding but also helps the baby feel more at home. Studies indicate that when infants are placed on their mother's chest, their heart rates stabilise and they appear calmer.

Babies Are Natural Swimmers

Until about six months of age, babies have a reflex that helps them hold their breath and make swimming-like movements when in water. I took my son to Water Babies when he was just a few months old – he absolutely loves the underwater

swimming. It’s a great safety skill to learn from a young age being confident in water. Remember never put baby under water unless with a trained swimming teacher.

Hair

A baby's hair often falls out in the first few weeks of life, and then grows back over the next year. The new hair could even be a different colour. My son has dark hair when born and is now a wee blondie.

Exploring the fascinating world of newborns reveals just how remarkable they are from the very start. From their impressive bone count to their abilities in recognising scent and sound, babies exhibit traits that are truly miraculous. Understanding these features not only enhances the experience of parenthood but also highlights the incredible journey of growth and development that infants will embark upon.

Every baby is unique, and as they grow, they will continually surprise you with their astonishing developments and discoveries. Cherish these early moments - they fly by in a flash. I hope you have enjoyed reading my blog.